Worship me

I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!” – Rev 22:8-9

John is nearing the end of his vision on the Island. He records some heavy visions to say the least. As it all piles on him and he realizes his place in this great drama he falls to the feet of the angel who had been showing him theses things. The angel immediately takes charge. Wrong move John.


Why? What is so wrong with paying some honor to an angel? What was the angel thinking? I believe that he knew that in that moment they both had the potential to go totally off mission.

The theory is that Satan was an angel in heaven but was banished because he wanted glory for himself. Here we find this angel in Revelation with a chance to capture glory for himself. He had just seen a full blown look at the future of Satan and the dangers of directing worship toward yourself instead of God. In an instant, the angel sets the compass back to True North. Worship is meant for God. Not for angels. Not for men.

“Worship me.” I would never say this audibly. I would never stand up in a crowd of people and declare it. I would never share it over coffee. But I fear my life might speak it. I find myself looking to see if other people are looking at me. What will they think of me because of the car I drive, the place where I live, the things I do and have, the way I dress? If I am not careful, I can get seriously hung up on what other people think. Some may call it “insecurity.” I think it might be called “worship.” Could it be that I worry about all these things because I want people to like me? To respect me? To worship me?

This may be the most anti-missional thing I can do.

I desire to live a life of invisible influence. Where people may see me but worship God.

God, continue to twist and mold my life until there is little of me and much of you. When people look at me, may they somehow see you as creator. May they never throw me attention and affection that belongs to you. And help me not to seek it. Glory belongs to you, not to me.

[tags]glory, revelation 22, worship, life journal, angels, glory, church, god, jesus[/tags]

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